Chapter 4 - THE DESTRUCTION BEGINS
The room returned to a buzz of excitement as guests rushed forward, hoping to introduce themselves to Phoebe.
Spencer stood frozen, his mind spinning into complete chaos.
"Spencer, we have to leave," Paisley panicked, tugging at his arm. "If she tells her father about us—"
"Shut up, Paisley!" Spencer snarled, shoving her hand away. His eyes were wide with desperate ambition. "If I play this right... if I explain that it was all a misunderstanding... I'm still her husband! The law recognizes me as her legal spouse! I own half of what she has!"
The realization washed over Spencer like a tidal wave of greed. He wasn't ruined—he was rich! He was married to the Harrell heiress! All he had to do was win her back, or force a settlement that would grant him billions.
He immediately smoothed his jacket, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and pushed his way through the crowd toward the VIP lounge where Phoebe was surrounded by city officials.
"Phoebe!" Spencer called out, his voice laced with forced warmth and emotional distress. "Phoebe, darling!"
The crowd parted slightly, confused by the sudden outburst.
Phoebe turned around slowly, holding a crystal glass of sparkling water. Her expression was completely devoid of emotion.
"Mr. Reed," she said coolly. "You're making a scene."
"Phoebe, please!" Spencer said, stepping closer, though two towering Harrell security guards immediately blocked his path. "Why didn't you tell me? Why did you keep this a secret from me for three years?"
"Tell you?" Phoebe raised an eyebrow. "When would I have told you, Spencer? Between the times you ignored my existence, or the times you reminded me that I was a burden to your rising career?"
Snickers broke out among the surrounding guests. Spencer’s face flushed bright red.
"Phoebe, we're husband and wife!" Spencer argued, trying to project confidence. "We had a disagreement tonight, yes, but that’s private! You can't let personal matters affect our professional relationship. What about the Reed Logistics contract with Harrell International? We spent months preparing for this!"
Phoebe looked at Arthur Vance, who was standing nearby holding a leather folder.
"Mr. Vance," Phoebe said smoothly. "Has the Reed Logistics contract been signed yet?"
"No, Miss Harrell," Vance replied instantly. "It was awaiting your final approval tonight."
"Cancel it," Phoebe said without a second of hesitation. "In fact, pull all Harrell investments from any subsidiary, bank, or vendor associated with Reed Logistics. Effective immediately."
"What?!" Spencer screamed, losing his composure completely. "You can't do that! That contract was fifty percent of my company’s projected revenue for next year! You'll ruin me!"
"You ruined yourself the moment you thought power gave you the right to stomp on human dignity," Phoebe replied coldly.
Paisley rushed up behind Spencer, her eyes flashing with anger. "You arrogant bitch! You think just because you have money you can destroy Spencer’s hard work? He built that company from nothing!"
Phoebe didn't even look at Paisley directly. She merely glanced at Harrison.
"Harrison, who invited this woman?" Phoebe asked.
"She was brought as Mr. Reed's guest, Miss Harrell," Harrison answered.
"Have her removed," Phoebe ordered. "And inform the security team that Paisley Dawson is permanently banned from every Harrell-owned property in North America."
Before Paisley could scream, two security guards grabbed her by her upper arms and began dragging her away. Her golden dress crumpled as she kicked and shrieked in outrage.
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"Spencer! Do something! Help me!" Paisley screamed as the heavy doors closed behind her.
Spencer stood alone in front of the entire elite class of the city. He looked at Phoebe, his eyes pleading, but all he saw in her eyes was the reflection of his own inevitable demise.
